October 1 brings a new license year and DMP application deadline

This Saturday, October 1, 2011 marks the start of a new license year. Hunters should clean out their pockets of old tags and begin carrying the 2011-2012 hunting license and tags this Saturday.

October 1 is also the deadline to apply for Deer Management Permits (DMPs, "doe tags"). See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30409.html for where DMPs are available and the probabilities of getting selected for 1st or 2nd choice DMPs in each Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). We've issued roughly 70% of our DMP target so far, which is fairly typical at this point since many hunters, like me, wait until the last few days of the application period to purchase their license and apply for a DMP.

Additionally, October 1 is the opening day of Regular Season for deer in Suffolk County (WMU 1C). Deer hunters in WMU 1C may use their Regular Season Deer Tag, special season either-sex or antlerless tag, or DMP tags for WMU 1C, but all deer hunting during the Suffolk County regular season is with bowhunting equipment only. Bonus tags are also available to hunters who take an antlerless deer on a DMP for WMU 1C.

Remember, responsible hunters report their game harvest. Not only is reporting your deer, bear, or turkey harvest required by law, it is also good game management. If you have not yet reported your take via our website, give it a shot this year. Click the reporting icon at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8316.html or follow the "Hunt" link from our home page www.dec.ny.gov for the internet harvest reporting system. It's quick, easy and it provides us with important data to manage effectively.